Amitabh Bachchan Family Tree
Amitabh Bachchan - A Lifestory
Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic figure in Indian cinema, has left an indelible mark on both the big and small screens with his commanding presence and versatile performances spanning over five decades. Revered as the "Shahenshah" of Bollywood, Bachchan's legendary career has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the National Film Awards and the Filmfare Awards. His hosting of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) since its inception in 2000 revolutionized Indian television, infusing the quiz show with his charisma and emotional depth, turning it into a platform for human stories and aspirations. Despite a hiatus due to health reasons, his return in 2010 reaffirmed his status as the ultimate host, contributing to the show's continued success and cultural impact, promoting knowledge and inspiring millions across the nation. Bachchan's philanthropy and social activism further solidify his influence and stature, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon cherished by audiences worldwide.
Birth
Born as Amitabh Srivastava on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to the Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan was an Awadhi Hindu Kayastha who was fluent in Awadhi, Hindi, and Urdu.
Family Facts
- Parents:
Harivansh Rai Bachchan (Father)
Teji Bachchan (Mother) - Siblings:
Ajitabh Bachchan - Spouse:
Jaya Bachchan - Children:
Abhishek Bachchan
Shweta Bachchan Nanda - Relatives:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Daughter-in-law)
Aaradhya Bachchan (Granddaughter)
Navya Naveli Nanda (Granddaughter)
Education
He attended Jnana Pramodhini in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) for his primary education. For his secondary schooling, he went to Boy's High School and College in Allahabad, and later to Sherwood College in Nainital.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Kirori Mal College in 1962.
From Voice Narrator to Leading Actor
He made his film debut in 1969 as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen's National Award-winning film “Bhuvan Shome.”
His first acting role was as one of the seven protagonists in the film “Saat Hindustani,” directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas.
A Cinematic Journey
- "Zanjeer" marked a turning point in Amitabh Bachchan's career, establishing him as the quintessential "Angry Young Man" of bollywood.
- Released in 1973, it earned him his first Filmfare Award nomination for “Best Actor” and initiated a series of successful collaborations with acclaimed writers and directors, propelling him to stardom.
- In 1979, he delivered a string of successes, including "Suhaag," the highest-grossing film of the year, alongside critically acclaimed performances in "Mr. Natwarlal" and "Kaala Patthar," earning him nominations for both acting and playback singing at the Filmfare Awards.
- In 1982, Bachchan juggled double roles in successful films like "Satte Pe Satta" and "Desh Premee," alongside box office hits such as "Namak Halaal," "Khud-Daar," and the critically acclaimed "Bemisal."
- Despite a near-fatal injury on set while filming "Coolie" in July 1982, Bachchan made a remarkable recovery and resumed filming later that year. "Coolie" was released in 1983, becoming a blockbuster partly due to the immense publicity surrounding Bachchan's accident.
- After achieving success with "Aaj Ka Arjun" (1990) and "Hum" (1991), Bachchan encountered several box office disappointments until his breakthrough role in "Agneepath" (1990). This portrayal not only earned him Filmfare Award for "Best Actor" but also marked his 1st win of the National Film Award for "Best Actor."
- Bachchan showcased his versatility with hits like "Mohabbatein" (2000) and "Baghban" (2003), while earning critical acclaim for diverse roles in films such as "Aks" (2001), "Kaante" (2002), and "Dev" (2004), securing him 3rd Filmfare Award for “Best Supporting Actor” and his 1st Filmfare Critics Award for "Best Actor."
- "Paa" showcased his exceptional portrayal of a progeria-affected child, earning him critical acclaim and his third National Film Award for "Best Actor."
- He played the role of a grumpy father experiencing chronic constipation in the critically acclaimed "Piku," which was also one of the biggest hits of 2015. His performance won the 4th National Film Award for "Best Actor" and the 3rd Filmfare Critics Award for "Best Actor."
- Bachchan is known for his deep, baritone voice. He has been a narrator, a playback singer, and a presenter for numerous programs.
- He has also done voice-over work for movies like "Ra.One, "Kahaani,” "Krrish 3," "Mahabharat," "Kochadaiiyaan" (Hindi Version), "CBI documentary," and “The Ghazi Attack.”
A Journey of Love
Amitabh Bachchan tied the knot with Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan, a renowned actress and politician, on June 3, 1973.
The couple have two children, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, born on March 17, 1974, an author and fashion industry professional, and Abhishek Bachchan, born on February 5, 1976, an actor and producer.
Political Journey
In 1984, Amitabh Bachchan briefly entered politics, winning the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat with 68.2% of the votes.
He later resigned in 1987.
Entrepreneurial Journey
During his break from acting, Amitabh ventured into production, establishing the “Amitabh Bachchan Corporation, Ltd.” (ABCL) in 1996.
The first film it produced was "Tere Mere Sapne," which was a box office hit.
A Beacon of Support
- He was the face of the "Save Our Tigers" campaign, which promoted the importance of tiger conservation in India.
- He supported the campaign by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in India to free Sunder, a 14-year-old elephant who was chained and tortured in a temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
- In 2013, Bachchan established the "Harivansh Rai Bachchan Memorial Trust" in honor of his father, partnering with the Urja Foundation to provide solar-powered electricity to 3,000 Indian households.
- In 2014, it was announced that he had recorded his voice and lent his image to the Hindi and English versions of the Teach Aids software, an international HIV/AIDS prevention education tool developed at Stanford University.
- He has been a vocal brand ambassador of the "Swachh Bharat Mission" (SBM) and has been featured in a few advertisements to promote the campaign.
- Bachchan aided India's COVID-19 response by promoting public health messages, donating oxygen concentrators, and contributing ₹25 crore in assistance amidst his own battle with the virus.
Carrying the Olympic Torch
On July 27, 2012, at the age of 69, he carried the Olympic torch during the last leg of its relay in London's Southwark.
Ambassador for Health and Humanity
Amitabh was made a "UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador" for the polio eradication campaign in India, an international ambassador, and a "WHO Goodwill Ambassador" for awareness of hepatitis in 2017.
16 Seasons of Kaun Banega Crorepati
Amitabh Bachchan's hosting of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) since 2000, including a hiatus in 2006, has been marked by record-breaking viewership and widespread acclaim, notably Season 5's massive success in 2011.
His hosting of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC), spanning 16 seasons, has solidified his legacy as an iconic figure in Indian television history.
Awards and Recognitions
- National Film Awards: Best Actor for Agneepath 1990, Black 2005, Paa 2009, Piku 2015; Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2018
- Filmfare Awards: Best Actor for Amar Akbar Anthony 197, Don 1979, Hum 1992, Black 2006; Best Supporting Actor for Anand 1972, Namak Haraam 1974, Mohabbatein 2001
- Screen Awards: Best Actor (Critics) for Black 2006, Piku 2016; Iconic Legend Award 2013
- Stardust Awards: Best Actor for Black 2005, Paa 2010; Star of the Year Award—male for various years
- Zee Cine Awards: Lifetime Achievement 2003, Best Actor—Male for Black 2006
- BIG Star Entertainment Awards: Complete Entertainer of the Decade 2010
- Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role for Black 2006; Paa 2011; Lifetime Achievement Award 2010
- People's Choice Awards India: Best Non-Fiction Show Host for Kaun Banega Crorepati 2012
- Indian Television Awards: Best Anchor for Kaun Banega Crorepati 2000
- Indian Television Academy Awards: Best Host for Kaun Banega Crorepati 2001, 2005, 2006, 2013; Best Anchor Talk/Chat Show for Bigg Boss 2010
- Indian Telly Awards: TV Personality of the Year 2000 for Kaun Banega Crorepati 2001; Best TV Anchor 2005
Civilian Awards
- Padma Shri 1984
- Order of Afghanistan by the President of Afghanistan 1991
- Padma Bhushan 2001
- Officer of the Legion of Honor, France's highest civilian honor 2007
- Padma Vibhushan 2015
National Honors
- Awadh Samman, by the Government of Uttar Pradesh 1980
- Yash Bharati, Uttar Pradesh's highest honor 1994
- Dayawati Modi Award 2002
- The 2002 National Kishore Kumar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh
- Living Legend Award by FICCI 2004
- Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2005
- IIFA-FICCI Frames, Most Powerful Entertainer of the Decade Award 2009
- Abhinaya Chakravarth Award 2011
- Maharashtrian of the Year—The Maanbindu Award 2011
- NTR National Award 2011
International Honors and Recognition
- Named Greatest Star of Stage or Screen of the Millennium by BBC Online Poll 1999
- Ranked as the Most Powerful Indian Film Star by Forbes 2001
- Awarded Actor of the Century at the Alexandria International Film Festival and conferred honorary citizenship of the French town of Deauvill in 2003
- Honored with a special tribute at the Walter Reade Theater of Lincoln Center in New York and ranked as the most popular star in India by Hansa Research's Celebrity Track 2005
- Honored with a retrospective by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and by the London Mayor with the Visit London Special Award for Outstanding Achievement 2007
- Paid tribute at Le Salon du Cinema in Paris, honored with the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award at Davos, invited to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tehran Film Festival, and honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Dubai International Film Festival and the 8th Asian Film Cultural Award. Also named among the Top 5 Most Influential Indians of the Decade 2009
- Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sixth Muscat, Oman International Film Festival, and named in CNN's top 25 Asian actors of all time list 2010
- He was conferred the Polio Eradication Champion award by Rotary International, given the honor to carry the Olympic torch during its relay in London's Southwark, honored by the Australian Government for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema, and honored with various awards, including the Keys to the City of Florence and the Tribute to Hindi Cinema Award 2012
- Honored with multiple awards, including the La Trobe University Global Citizenship Award and the International Screen Icon award. Also honored with the Global Diversity Award in the British Parliament 2013
- Honored with the Global Icon of the Year award at the NRI of the Year awards and the International Screen Icon award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2014
- Honored with the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) award for his contribution to preserving India’s film heritage in 2021
Honorary Doctorate
- By Jhansi University, India 2004
- By University of Delhi, India 2006
- In Arts by De Montfort University, UK 2006
- In Arts by Leeds Metropolitan University, UK 2007
- By Queensland University of Technology, Australia 2011
- By Jodhpur National University, India 2013
- By Academy of Arts, Egypt 2015
- By Rabindra Bharati University 2018
Wax Museum Wonders
- Bachchan's wax figure was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in London in June 2000
- A lifelike wax figure was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Times Square in New York in May 2009
- A wax image was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in March 2011
- Wax image unveiled at Madame Tussauds Bangkok, August 2011
- Wax image unveiled at Madame Tussauds Washington, DC, December 5, 2012
- Wax image unveiled at Madame Tussauds, Delhi, January 13, 2017
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- "Amitabh Bachchan is a legend. He is the greatest actor in the country today and will remain so." - Shah Rukh Khan
- "Amitabh Bachchan is not just a great actor, but he's also a great human being. He's a very humble, down-to-earth person." - Salman Khan
- "Amitabh Bachchan is an institution. His contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled." - Aamir Khan
- "Amitabh Bachchan is the backbone of Indian cinema. He has set a standard that actors of my generation aspire to reach." - Ranbir Kapoor
- "Amitabh Bachchan is a living legend. His dedication, passion, and versatility are inspiring." - Deepika Padukone
- "Amitabh Bachchan's journey from struggle to stardom is truly inspiring. He's a role model for many aspiring actors." - Anupam Kher
Disclaimer
The information provided has been gathered from various sources and may have errors or discrepancies.
If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at support@imeuswe.in
Did you find this lifestory interesting?
Other personalities you might be interested in
Jaya Bachchan
